Executive Speaker Series: Dan Weingartz Speech Synopsis YCP Detroit held its monthly Executive Speaker Series on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at Most Holy Redeemer Church in Detroit. Dan Weingartz, President of Weingartz Supply Co., delivered the keynote address to an audience of 180. Though he grew up Catholic, when he was in college he lived life away from God, and found that life was lonely there. Weingartz came back to the faith as a young adult and was deeply inspired by holy family men in his life, including his father, who he believed "normalized" what a good Catholic man looks life - and that image was accessible to him so he emulated it. Weingartz impressed upon his audience the need to live lives of authentic faith - with humility, love, and sacrifice - because that builds the foundation for an attractive life, which attracts and leads others to notice our witness. Weingartz shared his testimony and stressed that vocation is what you do in your work and life and faith. We must take the burden out of work and responsibly do well what God has called each of us to do. He also told some stories from his professional life, including his experience successfully fighting the HHS mandate that would have required his company to pay for contraceptives. His company filed a religious liberty lawsuit against the federal government and though he received some negative feedback, he just kept in mind Jesus' words: "Are you going to deny me three times?" Finally, Weingartz shared three insightful points of advice that have been valuable in his own life and that he wanted the event attendees to remember: 1. Find people who will support and challenge you - people (pastors, friends, coworkers, etc.) who will feed your fire - a small group of confidants who will help keep you accountable both by example and by counsel. Pray for those relationships. 2. Listen for God's direction. God doesn't have small plans for any of us; He did not create us for drudgery. Whether we do small things or big, we must always follow His Will. Don't expect burning bush clarity, but ask continuously and patiently for God to reveal His call for you. 3. Keep in mind that the story (of Jesus) has already been written, and it's awesome. Our actions are the most important thing we can do on earth, and they are the pathway that leads us to truth, love, and ultimately Heaven.

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